Marie Louise de la Ramée, who wrote under the pseudonym „Ouida”, was a prolific English novelist in the 19th century, widely acclaimed for her extravagant narrative style and her exploration of high society themes. Born on January 1, 1839, in Bury St. Edmunds, England, she began writing at a young age and achieved success with her novel „Held in Bondage” in 1863. De la Ramée”s literary output was notable for its romanticization of aristocratic life and its critical view on the social imbalances of her time. One of her popular works, „In a Winter City” (1876), captures the intricacies of European aristocrats” life set against the backdrop of an Italian city, reflecting her characteristic depictions of luxurious settings combined with keen social observation. De la Ramée resided in Italy for much of her life and derived inspiration from its culture and landscapes, influencing her evocative descriptions and settings. Despite her initial popularity, she faced financial difficulties later in life, dying in relative obscurity on January 25, 1908. Nonetheless, her work left an indelible mark on Victorian literature with its rich and melodramatic prose, which continues to fascinate readers and scholars alike.